One of Washington state’s largest gun-rights groups is negotiating with lawmakers on a deal that would simultaneously boost a controversial gun-control proposal and remove one of gun owners’ biggest fears.

Alan Gottlieb, of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, said Tuesday night he has offered to support mandatory background checks for all firearm purchases if state lawmakers agree to end what some see as a de facto database of handgun owners.

“I need to see the final version, but we’re working with the sponsors of the bill to try to get one that’s workable,” said Gottlieb, who also runs the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation. “If we can accomplish that, it’s a win for all sides.”

No. It is not a win for all sides. It’s a win for the totalitarians and a loss for law abiding citizens. I don’t want to hear another damn thing about how the NRA waffles and turns against our interests. At least – so far – Wayne hasn’t turned to this kind of pandering.

I’ll have to take a closer look. But the winning proposal would be to destroy any trace of a registry without any concessions.

On February 22, 2013 at 12:51 am, scott s. said:

Our state affiliate (Hawaii Rifle Association) also seems to be caving. In Hawaii there is mandatory background check to transfer and also registration, but if you move to Hawaii and bring previously owned firearms (main situation, another possibility is licensed collector buying from out of state) you just register. They now want to require a NICS before they will let you register and HRA is going along with it.

On February 22, 2013 at 1:28 am, Phil said:

Smart move. The background check is unenforceable without the paperwork!